Let Her Go (Already Broken Sequel) {J.B.}

chapter fourteen

^Picture of Kayla^

*writing style changed up, present tense instead of past. hope you guys like this better. just trying something new*

~Kayla's POV~

Time moves slowly when you don't want to be somewhere. Especially when the clock is right in front of you and there's nothing to do but stare at it.

My third double shift this week, and it doesn't get any more tolerable. Being one of five drug stores in a remote part of town, we don't get much business. It's slow and quiet most of the day; today I sold three candy bars to a preteen boy on rollerblades and a six pack of beer to an old man who already had half a can still in his hand. I studied a little after that, and now I stare at the clock as I wait for the hour hand to reach four. Twenty minutes left and I can't keep my foot from bouncing.

"Someone's ready to go home."

My eyes flit through my lashes and I look at Daniel. He's mopping up a spilled soda and tries to subtle his grin. He's nervous as if he's been waiting to say something for hours.

"Just tired, that's all."

"Mm," he mumbles. "I know how you feel."

I press a small smile on my lips and begin stacking packs of gum beside the register. I hope that if I look busy enough he won't bother making conversation. With him, there's nothing to talk about. He makes everything awkward and the way he doesn't break eye contact when he looks at me freaks me out.

"So, any plans for tonight?" He walks toward me and a smirk lay across on his face.

I inwardly sigh. "Not much. Probably just study and hang out with my roommate."

"That's cool. I was just thinking that maybe if you didn't have anything going on we could do something."

I watch as he stocks the shelves and am conscious of not letting the disgust I feel on the inside to show anywhere on my face. Us? Hang out? What does he think this is? I hardly know him and I thought I was pretty good at making my discomfort with him obvious.

"Oh, uh.." I stutter.

"Only for a couple of hours. I won't take up your whole night," he laughs.

"No, its just.. I can't," I breathe out. "I have a test tomorrow and I really should study for it." I give a fake smile and he looks to understand, though I still feel sorry for him.

"No biggie. Maybe some other time," he says, looking slightly defeated as he walks into the back room.

I drop my smile when he turns his back and pick up my buzzing phone.

Three texts from Ashley in the last three minutes and each one more anxious than the last.

You still at work??

Kayla!!

If you don't answer I'll just show up.

I text her back and tell her to come anyways, that my car is still in the shop and I'll need a ride home.

We have plans to study and catch up, since spring break was last week and we haven't seen each other since. She went home to Minnesota and I've been here, and apparently what she has to tell me about her trip home can't be told over the phone.

I put my books back into my bag and clock out as soon as the clock hits four. I yell a goodbye to Daniel and wait on the curb for three minutes until Ashley pulls up.

I can see her face through the front windshield and her jaw drops. I've been waiting for this for a week.

"Oh my God," she breathes out. "You did it. I can't believe you did it, you dyed your hair?!"